I used to dread test prep. Then, I discovered how to use games in middle school science to make review day more fun for students and me. Fill-in-the-blank study guides can work for some students; however, many will not be engaged – especially the ones who don’t know the answers already. The introduction of a game aspect to review time can up the level of your students’ engagement.
I don’t remember playing games like these when I was in school. I remember using review worksheets and being told to study. It took me longer than my peers to figure out how to prepare for tests. Until then, I often underachieved on tests and quizzes. I love using games in my middle school science classroom to reach students that have not mastered these skills.
Why use games in middle school science classrooms?
Fill-in-the-blank study guides leave a lot of students disengaged, especially the ones who don't already know the answers. A game aspect raises engagement because middle schoolers love to compete. Assign point values, add a small prize for winning groups, and review day becomes something students actually want to participate in.
I find that my students love to compete in almost anything. Assign a point value to a part of a game – students will become more engaged. And it also helps if there is a small prize for winning groups.
What are the keys to running a successful review game?
Even the most fun game falls apart without management. Give every student a role so it isn't just the few who know the answers. Set clear rules and write them on the board, and keep the same classroom expectations you use during a normal period. You can adjust rules between class periods if a game isn't working.
While games will increase your students’ engagement, there are also several must-haves to make them successful. Even the most fun game can fall apart without proper management. Here are some tips to keep in mind to have a successful review game:
- Try to choose games in which every student has a role in their group – not just the few who know all the answers. If students are playing individually, make sure they know their responsibilities. If playing in a group, create jobs for each group member. Let’s use trivia as an example. Each student will try to answer the question for their group. Assign one student to record the answer, one to bring the answer to the teacher, and one student to keep track of their score.
- Set clear rules for the game. I also write the game rules on the board to provide a visual cue for students. Will students compete against other groups? Will they earn the prize if they reach a certain level (1000 points, 20 correct questions, etc.)? Make sure this is clear from the beginning. Remember, you can change the rules between class periods if they are not making a successful game.
- Set clear classroom expectations. I would also write these on the board. Can students bring their answer to you? Will you walk around and collect it? Should they silently write answers on their page? Can they discuss them aloud? Keep proper classroom management during the game like you do during a regular class period.
What are 7 review games to try in your science class?
Try bingo with vocabulary terms, trash basketball for point-scoring shots, act it out and draw it for charades-style review, digital escape rooms for password-solving challenges, 20 questions to teach strategic reasoning, and a student-led game show. Each one adds competition and gives every student a role on review day.
Here are some ideas for games to try for your next review day!
Bingo: Print out bingo boards for each student. Brainstorm enough vocabulary terms to fill all open spots on their bingo board. Put the list of vocabulary words where all the students can see them. Then, tell students to put one in each box randomly. Then, read the vocabulary definition for one word at a time until a student gets a bingo.
I use the exact number of terms that fill the entire board. By doing this, students will have a spot to fill in for each clue. You could also put students in pairs so they will have a partner to help answer a question if one does not remember the definition.
Trash Basketball: Place a trash can near the front of the class (out of the way of anything breakable). Put tape on the floor to mark a 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point line. Ball up a piece of paper to act as the basketball. Break students into two- or three-person groups. Assign them roles in their groups or let them choose. Each group gets a question. If they answer correctly, someone from their group can try to make a basket from whichever line they choose. If successful, their group gets that many points.
Act It Out: Prepare a list of several vocabulary terms or concepts in your current unit of study. Write them on small slips of paper. Call up one student at a time to draw a vocabulary term. Without speaking, they must act out the vocabulary term or concept. You call on students to guess the vocabulary term before time expires (say, 1 minute). You can break them into groups and give a point to the first group that correctly identifies it.
Draw It: This game is like Act It Out; however, students can only draw. You could also use a hybrid of the two games and let each student decide to act or draw. Classroom management and clear rules are the keys to preventing students from yelling out answers. You could take answers from groups in a pre-set order beginning with the following group after one answers correctly. This way, all groups get the same number of tries.
Digital Escape Rooms: This is my favorite review game. An escape room is a game where students solve puzzles or answer questions to get part of the password. When they unscramble the password, they win! I prefer digital escape rooms so students can access all the clues simultaneously. It also limits the amount of printing. Check out my article about digital escape rooms in which you will learn how to set them up, tips for success, and even a FREE example!
20 Questions: Call on one student to lead the game. Give a vocabulary term to that student. Then, that student will call on one student at a time to ask questions about the vocabulary term.
I like to teach students about the strategy of this game. For example, say you are studying the Periodic Table. An ineffective first question would be, “Is it Hydrogen?” because the answer is probably no. Then, you didn’t learn anything about the correct answer. Instead, they should ask, “Does it have more than 60 protons?” Whether the answer is yes or no, you’ve eliminated nearly half the elements.
While students ask questions, consider writing the answer to the questions students ask on the board so they will have a visual reminder. If 20 questions are too many, give them fewer questions.
Game Show: For this game, print a set of questions and their corresponding answers. Make groups of three or four students. Assign one student to be the game show host. They will read questions to their group. The other students are the contestants. They can “buzz” in to answer or take turns. They earn a point for each correct answer.
I also like to allow students to make up their own rules for this game, if possible. This gives them more buy-in for participation. For example, they could make a rule where you put your hand on your head to buzz in. They could use a timer and limit the contestant to five seconds to answer. They could write the answer on a whiteboard. However, consider your classroom management strategy before giving students this option.
Hopefully, you’ve found some ideas on how to use games in middle school science classrooms. While they can be a great way to change the class environment, be sure you have your classroom management strategies set. It can be deflating to design a fun review game only to have it fall apart. Set clear classroom expectations for your game and explain the game rules clearly. Students will know how to participate. You will enjoy test prep!
If there is a topic you need to teach, tell me about it by sending a message to info@mrsharktooth.com!